I know that a lot of crafters use their craft, whatever that may be, to help them deal with their mental health challenges and making cards often fills that role for me too. I find that having something creative to focus on when life feels out of control really helps to get me through the bad days.
Like many of you out there, this past 15 or so months have not been easy: shielding and isolating have not been easy and other life events along the way have really added to my own mental health challenges. At times I stepped away entirely from creating as my 'mojo' ran for cover, and yet at others I found myself really inspired and almost overwhelmed with creative drive. Things have evened out a little now and I'm back 'in the driving seat'; the bad days are fewer and my focus is better and I shall always be grateful for the support and encouragement of family, friends and the crafting community.
In colour psychology, blue is seen as the colour of calmness and serenity. It is often described as peaceful and tranquil, and is often seen as a sign of stability and reliability. Therefore, I thought this would be a perfect colour for this card.
I used The Stamp Market's pale blue card as a background and the new Tim Holtz ink colour, Salvaged Patina, as a starting point. To create the background I used a mandala stencil from Taylored Expressions and inked it first in Salvaged Patina Distress Ink. I then moved the stencil just a little upwards and inked again with white fusion ink from Ink On 3's Atelier range. This softened the blue ink but allowed a little shadow to form, which gave a feeling of depth to the background. (A list of all the things I used is at the bottom of this post.)
The image is from Angie Blom Digital Designs, and is called 'Birthday Girl Sass'. However, this is quite a demure image and the touching of hand to heart seemed to sum up the sentiment well. I paper-pieced her dress and coloured the rest with Copic markers. I also used Copic BG11 to colour a piece of white cardstock to co-ordinate with the card and used this to stamp my sentiment, which is from The Stamp Market's 'More Modern Messages' stamp set.
This will be a perfect card to send to anyone who is struggling, to let them know that we are thinking of them. It shouldn't be too much longer before we can give them a hug in person, and I can't wait.
I'm going to enter this card in the following challenges:
Until next time, stay safe, be happy, and keep crafting.
Supplies:
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So much to love about your creation. First off, that blue is gorgeous. Then there's the lovely lady (that waist!) The herringbone for her dress is perfect. And that mandala offset in the BG is so very pretty.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maria, I appreciate you taking time to visit x
DeleteThis is such a calming card Peri - clearly the theory about the blue colour is true but also the simple image and the way you have presented it hits the intended purpose perfectly. I think anyone would be thrilled to receive this card and particularly when they're feeling low.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Niki x
DeleteWow! What a stunning card. Love every detail in it. Fabulous stencilling and gorgeous paper piecing for her dress. Thanks so much for sharing and for playing along at ATSM.
ReplyDeleteThank you 😊
DeleteWhat a gorgeous card and I love how much thought you put into it. The inking technique you used on the stenciling is fabulous - I thought you had used stencil paste at first because it looks so 3D! Great paper piecing and lovely colouring - what's not to like!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us at ATSM and I hope you will join us again soon.
Hugs
Carol x
Thank you, Carol, most kind x
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